Sunday was a momentous day for local organizers of the Terry Fox Run.
Heading into the important cancer research fundraiser, the goal was to raise $35,100 — $1 for every citizen of Orillia. The optimism that was evident was well-placed as that goal was vastly surpassed.
A total of $61,500 was raised for cancer research Sunday as 375 participants of all ages participated by running, walking, or cycling. That helped push the amount raised over the lifetime of the Orillia event to more than $1 million.
With a small group of dedicated volunteers, the Orillia team is proud of their contribution to the Terry Fox Foundation.
Susan Turner, a volunteer member and Team Terry participant, was active in the organization before her own diagnosis. She refers to survivors like herself as those “currently living with cancer,” due to its lasting affects.
Turner describes the Terry Fox Foundation with adoration, stressing how “so much is put into research, which is the primary purpose. They have one of the lowest percentages of administrative fees. So, the money goes directly to research, whatever you donate,” she said.
The Terry Fox Run demonstrates the profound support shared across communities and demographics, said Turner. Much to her dismay, her daughter was also diagnosed with cancer.
Her team of supporters, dubbed “Car Car’s Village,” raised over $16,000 and all wore pink to Sunday’s event.
“It’s very emotional,” said Turner, about the events she has been a part of over the years. “It is amazing seeing other people and it’s not just the people who have cancer but all those around them are touched in a way."
As more registrations filed in and the event kicked off, many people shared their stories and drive to help in any way possible.
The youngest participant present was only four weeks old, but lovingly strolled around Tudhope Park by her mom, Max. Friends, Danielle and Max were running because “everyone knows someone who is affected by cancer,” she said.
Ingrid and her mother, Linda, enjoyed the beautiful weather and joined the run together. Linda is 94 and Sunday was her first time participating, while Ingrid has a history of organizing runs in Vaughan at the school she taught at before moving to Orillia.
Alison Stoneman, lead organizer of the Orillia Terry Fox Run, recalled how when she was diagnosed with cancer, she became part of clinical trials and mentioned how innovative research worked for her, which created some enhanced standard practices for similar cases.
Stoneman, grateful for all of the volunteers that lent a hand, recognized how members of the Orillia Terriers Jr. C hockey club were a large help setting up for the event, noting people from all walks of life have been touched by cancer.
“It’s so nice to wake up in the morning before we even have our event and know that we’re going to be holding a successful one,” said Stoneman.
She and Randy Pauk, who has been on the committee since 1996, discussed how being involved and donating to research makes a big difference to those dealing with cancer.
“I just feel like I’m doing my part,” said Pauk, who joined the committee after losing a family member to cancer. He stressed “none of this could exist without volunteers.”
Stoneman agrees and is urging young people to step up. She hinted this year may be her last at the helm.
“I feel like I’m wrapping things up though,” she said as people walked and ran around Tudhope Park.
“It’s gone full circle. So, we’re almost at a million dollars, and we’re gonna get there today, I have faith. And my oncologist is now funded by Terry Fox money, and so I think it’s time,” she said.
Sunday's run needed to raise at least $43,500 to reach a lifetime amount of $1 million for the Terry Fox runs in Orillia. Stoneman announced at 6 p.m. that the $1 million goal had been exceeded on what was a record-breaking day.
More about the Orillia Terry Fox Run can be found here: run.terryfox.ca/55901
